We are staying on Ile Saint-Louis in the Seine River in beautiful Paris. It is one of two natural islands in the river. The other one is Ile de la Cite where Notre Dame is located. Ile Saint-Loius is connected to the rest of Paris by four bridges. It is in the 4th arrondissement of Paris and has a population of 4,453.
We have everything we need for our stay on the island. There are food markets, restaurants and cafes, bakeries, specialist cheese shops, boutiques and more. Importantly the island has its own ice cream, Berthillon. The island has changed little in appearance since the 17th century.
There are several places to buy your Berthillon ice cream, which is fortunate, there are queues most days, especially weekends.
There is also a rival.
This is where I bought, and ate, this.
We had coffee and croissants at the cafe under the tree on our first morning.
We didn’t do it again. The coffee was awful and the price outrageous.
We found a great place close to our apartment called Noir that serves excellent coffee at a slightly more reasonable price.
The church of Saint-Louis-en-I’lle in rue Saint-Louis, which runs the length of the island from east to west. It was begun in 1664 and completed in 1726. It is being renovated right now and is not open to the public.
The walks around the island and across the bridges offer wonderful views up and down the river.
There is a small park at the end of the island with a children’s playground.
Ile Saint-Louis is an excellent base from where we can walk easily to the things we want to see in Paris. The Marais is a short walk away and I spent most of our first week exploring this wonderful area. Photos to follow.
On the other side of river is the Latin Quarter, or 5th Arrondissement, home of the Sorbonne and the Pantheon. I walked through there this morning, had a coffee at Shakespeare and Company Book Shop, a quick look through the shop, then kept walking to the stunningly beautiful Luxembourg Gardens. There is much to love in Paris.
Beautiful Post & wonderful to walk around Ile Saint-Louis with you.
Yes there is so much to love and see in Paris & look forward to more photos.
By: Camillus Davall on September 14, 2023
at 8:51 pm
Paris is the most beautiful city! Everywhere you look there is something wonderful to see.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 15, 2023
at 5:07 am
Great to hear you are having a happy time
By: Elizabeth Valerie Litzow on September 14, 2023
at 10:49 pm
The weather has cooled so walking all day is great.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 15, 2023
at 5:07 am
I have a friend with an apartment there. Fifth floor red/orange blinds. Stayed there a couple of times. Wonderful memories. This photo taken in 2004.
By: Dianne Leggo on September 15, 2023
at 1:56 am
Lucky them! I would love an apartment here.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 15, 2023
at 5:08 am
Couldn’t add the photo. Sorry.
By: Dianne Leggo on September 15, 2023
at 1:57 am
Try Strada Cafe or Jozi Cafe in Latin quarter
for great coffee.
By: Keith on September 15, 2023
at 4:29 am
Yes, I have heard of Strada. We went looking for the Marais Strada, but it has closed. I will try the Latin Quarter. Noir is good and we found one called Beige that is excellent.
PS we found Strada on Rue Monge this morning…very good.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 15, 2023
at 5:09 am
Paris! One of my favorite cities! Enjoy!
By: Mulino Dominillo on September 15, 2023
at 5:46 am
Paris is wonderful. The weather has cooled down, making walking much more enjoyable.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 15, 2023
at 6:06 am
It all sounds so wonderful. Hope the weather is treating you well.
By: Kerry & Jim on September 15, 2023
at 11:45 am
It was hot when we first arrived making all day walking tiring. We got drenched the other day, worth it for the cooler temperature. It is lovely now…hope it lasts.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 15, 2023
at 12:29 pm
Wonderful to be back there again through your photos .
Many thanks .
By: Donna McCormack on September 15, 2023
at 9:21 pm
I have wanted to stay on Ile Saint Louis for years. It is wonderful.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 18, 2023
at 3:14 pm
Thank you for taking me back! I love Ile Saint Louis and have not been for many years but I have so many fond memories 🙂
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on September 18, 2023
at 7:19 am
It is a beautiful part of Paris and has a lovely village feel.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 18, 2023
at 3:15 pm